Friday, October 9, 2020

AGGIE - A new film to watch at home and benefit the Strand




Our virtual films offer you great films to see at home and still support the future of the Strand Theatre.


Aggie is a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund focuses on her mother’s journey to give viewers an understanding of the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change. Aggie is internationally recognized for her robust and prescient support of artists–particularly women and people of color–and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. After falling in love with art as a high-school student, Aggie discovers a new way of looking at the world. The film opens with Aggie selling Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” For $165 million to start the Art for Justice Fund. The proceeds from one of the highest grossing artworks ever sold fuel a monumental effort to reform the American criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. The film captures Aggie as a true maverick who demonstrates the unique role and potential of collectors and benefactors to use art to fight justice. This is untapped terrain, and we see Aggie leading the way.


Check out the trailer

Click to watch this new film:

Sunday, October 4, 2020

MANHATTAN SHORT 2020 to debut at Martin's at Midtown


For the seventh year in a row film lovers in Vicksburg will join over 100,000 film enthusiasts around the world during the month of October when the 23rd Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival debuts outdoors on the deck of Martin's at Midtown Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 starting at 7 PM. (Look for more showings in response to demand)

"It's one of our most popular programs every year and it was important to us to get the films in front of our audience somehow or another," said Daniel Boone film programmer for the Strand Theatre, the usual venue for the Shorts. "Martin's has worked with us over the years to make MANHATTAN SHORT a true event here in Vicksburg, so, it seemed only natural to partner with them on finding a way to present the films during these unusual times. In years past a single showing of MANHATTAN SHORT has sold out, but since seating at Martin's will be strictly limited to keep everyone safe, we will consider repeating the program if there is demand to do so."

The first shows at Martin's will be on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 starting at 7 PM. Patrons will be asked to purchase a table for the evening. Each table will include heavy hors d'oeuvres donated by local restaurants Martin's at Midtown and Mainstreet Market, adult libations, as well as a view of the Shorts, and the opportunity to vote on their favorite film. All proceeds will go to MANHATTAN SHORT and to support the continuation of the Strand Theatre. 


View the trailer
:

This year, the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival received 971 entries from 54 countries and selected nine finalists. The Final Nine MANHATTAN SHORT selections hail from nine countries with films from Australia, Finland, Iran, Russia, Israel, North Macedonia, State of Palestine and USA. The Final Nine screening simultaneously across the world during a one-month period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue.


The MANHATTAN SHORT Final Nine are:
Safe Space (Australia), The Stick (Finland), Exam (Iran), Hey, Gray (Russia), White Eye (Israel), Sticker (North Macedonia), Two Little Boys (USA), Maestro (France) The Present (Palestine).

This year's Final Nine selections use drama, comedy and animation to address an astonishing number of themes, ranging from identity to parenthood to the seemingly universal frustration caused by the Department of Motor Vehicles no matter the country. The directorial voices are both male and female from countries large and small, often inspired by personal and sometimes harrowing experience. This year's Final Nine screening also is a rare instance when gripping dramas from Iran, Israel, and the State of Palestine are featured in the same program.

Due to COVID 19 MANHATTAN SHORT is extending the screening dates through the whole month of October rather than its usual seven-to-ten day period. None of the screenings will be shown "virtually" so as to support local cinemas in a time of crisis. "The Films I remember best are those I saw in a cinema. Streaming the Manhattan Short Film Festival was never an option. While the numbers are sure to be down, you have to stay true to what you do. MANHATTAN SHORT is a cinematic experience." -- Founding Director Nicholas Mason. 

MANHATTAN SHORT at Martin's at Midtown Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 starting at 7 PM:

Masks will be required for entry and social distancing will be observed.

Tables for 4 may be reserved for $160
To reserve a table Text: "Shorts" to 601 618 4755. 
Pre-payment of the full table price will be required to secure the reservation.